A Rapid Systematic Map of Youth Engagement With Marine Environments in a Changing Climate

This paper offers a rapid systematic map of existing qualitative literature on the relationship(s) between marine environments and youth in a changing climate. Building upon recent public, scientific, and scholarly trends that draw attention to the value the ocean holds for both socio-economic prosperity and climate regulation, this systematic map asks: What evidence emerges from qualitative studies of youth engagement with marine environments in a changing climate? The mapping identified 20 articles thematically coded under three categories—namely, (i) youth experiences of marine environments and climate change, (ii) marine-based pedagogical approaches to climate change, and (iii) creative strategies and new media. Along with these 3 main categories, the mapping identified different cross-cutting themes that the 20 studies share. These were discussed as (a) the importance of intergenerational dynamics and intergenerational justice, (b) the lack of youth's insights in marine-based climate discourses, and (c) the need for place-based socio-cultural and economic interventions. After presenting and discussing the results, this rapid systematic map concludes by indicating areas for further research. Specifically, it highlights the need for more place-based, granular approaches that engage young people on their own terms and experiences as having tremendous value for articulating more ocean- and climate-sensitive interventions. At the same time, it cautions that those same interventions must feed into wider socio-economic and institutional dynamics that account for the historical responsibilities of a changing climate.